The Food Network star’s character-filled working kitchen is custom-made to suit him, with higher-than-average counters and plenty of open shelving to keep spices and other ingredients within easy arm’s reach. Sky blue beadboard makes the space friendly and cheerful, and an open pantry helps stoke the creative process by keeping basic foodstuffs in sight.

A footed cabinet in a row of green Georgian cupboards creates the impression of a piece of furniture. Glass-fronted uppers allow the homeowner to display china and glassware. A marble countertop and backsplash and hurricane lantern offer elegance.

Two levels of upper cabinet doors add interest to this spacious kitchen.

After years of open shelving, it was time to return to solid-fronted upper cabinets for the 2011 Princess Margaret Showhome’s dream country kitchen. These are House & Home‘s own design, fabricated by Heritage Kitchens.

The glossy paint finish reflects a surprising amount of light given the deep colour.

This dramatic kitchen by New York designer Miles Redd dares to be different. “I’m sick to death of all-white kitchens,” says Toronto blogger Jen Selk. “You know the ones I mean — vast expanse of white marble, tiled backsplash, bowl of citrus on the counter. It’s boring. I hope kitchens like this signal a shift back to cooking spaces with a little more interest and personality.”

White walls are clean and contemporary, but infuse warmth into a white kitchen with bright yellow art and appliances. In artist Bobbie Burgers‘ Okanagan weekend home, the gas range is the focal point when installed with glossy white cabinets. An 1890s Quebec convent table adds vintage character — and counter space.

An eye-opening shade of leaf green is inspired by the tropical locale.

The pair love to cook with family and friends and dreamed of a dramatic modern kitchen that would be fun, functional and big enough to accommodate multiple chefs. “The minute you walk in, you’re energized to cook,” says Monica.

Bright colour adds character to this kitchen, while wallpaper is used to eye-catching effect.

Pretty wallpaper creates a statement as the backdrop to this open-backed vintage cupboard while its punchy turquoise blue colour, pulled from the paper, furthers the bold aesthetic. White dishware keeps the look uncluttered.

The industrial designer’s love of colour and sculptural forms is evident is his own apartment in New York City. The black pendant light may have been too dramatic in a room with dark walls, but the white cabinets and pastel accents here keep the room light and welcoming.

Basia Mytnik of Kitchener was a runner-up in our 2009 Design Contest. She chose red cabinets to create consistency with other red-accented rooms in her home. However, she advises against using too much colour. “Two colours that contrast and complement each other, like the red with neutral cabinets above, are often enough,” she says. Storage was also important in this smaller-than-it-looks kitchen, so she incorporated upper and lower cabinets and a faux-island with extra storage.